UK distribution and merchandising company Entertainment Rights plc has signed a raft of licensees for the Tiger Aspect production of the animated MR. BEAN, including Downpace for plush, Danilo for greeting cards and Smith and Brooks for apparel. The first phase of product roll out will focus on establishing the MR. BEAN brand, targeting the gift market using the characters of Mr. Bean and his sidekick Teddy. An exclusive range of products is due to launch at UK department store chain Marks & Spencer's in June 2002. Entertainment Rights and Tiger Aspect believe the brand will be well received with both adults and a younger audience. "Only 14 episodes of the original live-action MR. BEAN were made and the show still has appeal 10 years on. We are looking at the same for the animated series," said Claire Derry, director of global brands at Entertainment Rights.
